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Thread: Detroit Plunge/Tracksaw
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23rd September 2021, 09:50 PM #1
Detroit Plunge/Tracksaw
G'day all,
Looking at buying the Detroit plunge track saw for cutting down sheets of melamine or MDF and wondering if anyone can pass on any feedback if they have any experience with one please?
Thanks
Geoff
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23rd September 2021 09:50 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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24th September 2021, 10:25 AM #2SENIOR MEMBER
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In the absence of a direct review of the Detroit - it is a clone sold under many different brand names. Peter Millard on Youtube has a number of track saw reviews with some that look like very much like the Detroit. I've had the Woodstar brand (clone of Scheppach) from Total Tools before and it handles all of the basic functions of a track saw just fine. The main thing to check is that the track you get is straight, I didn't have any issues with this with the Woodstar track.
I've since moved on to a Festool TS55. The ergonomics are better, there are more accessories if you need them, and the dust collection is much better. I wouldn't have dared to use the Woodstar inside the house but I have used the TS55.
If you're not concerned about the inferior dust collection, it should make for a perfectly serviceable track saw.
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24th September 2021, 10:54 AM #3Senior Member
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Sorry no experience with the Detroit other than considering it when I was looking at Tracksaws. I put off buying for years because I just couldn't decide - in the end I also went with the TS55. It puts a smile on my face every time I use and I often prefer it to my table saw. And yes the dust extraction is excellent.
Good luck with you quest!
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24th September 2021, 12:24 PM #4
Thanks for the reply and feedback
Thanks for that. I'd love the TS55 but right now it's out of my budget and I really only need it for breaking down large sheets of melamine so I can then run through my saw. I am going to make a square jig or buy it if it exists, but I n Ed something I can change the blade on with a better quality blade and just rip town big sheets and money wise and purpose wise I was looking at the Detroit. I did buy an Ozito brand one a month or 2 ago but it was rubbish so I took it back.
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25th September 2021, 09:50 AM #5SENIOR MEMBER
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What was wrong with the Ozito ?
You boys like Mexico ?
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25th September 2021, 10:21 AM #6
The blade had a touch of wobble in it so gave some pretty ordinary cuts, had to continually adjust the know to keep it from moving on the track also and a few other little grievances etc
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25th September 2021, 10:39 AM #7GOLD MEMBER
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Hi G. Just had a quick look online and while it seems to be more expensive than the Sheppach (which I have and have modified heavily), the Detroit comes with better clamps and a scribing feature. You will need 2 tracks for cutting down full sheets.
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25th September 2021, 12:45 PM #8
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25th September 2021, 04:46 PM #9Senior Member
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I think the scribing feature allows you to make a very shallow cut before making the full cut to provide a very clean cut.
CHeers
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26th September 2021, 10:54 AM #10
Hi Guys, I ended up buying the saw so will use it and leave my thoughts after I've given it some use.
Thanks for thoughts etc
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26th September 2021, 01:12 PM #11Senior Member
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The type of saw blade and teeth being used will be a factor.
Whatever you purchase it will need rock solid guides with very little wiggle or the accuracy of the cuts will be garbage.
The factories computerized industrial panel saw I operated has an upside-down U shape channel.
The Cain pulled motor and 21 inch saw blade would pass underneath while that held and clamped the particle board in place during the cut.
It would accurately cut 6 inches of stacked particle boards.
The laminating machine for vinyl and melamine used 6 huge hot and cold rollers.
The person who separated boards near the automated stacking machine would use a utility knife on a long pole and sliced the lamination in the 1/8" gap between boards.
One user mistake and a jam could occur bending a sheet of wood like an archers bow.
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28th September 2021, 08:41 AM #12
Can anyone please advise if it is ok to spray silicone spray on the tracks to help the saw slide better?
Thanks
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28th September 2021, 09:31 AM #13GOLD MEMBER
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Hi G. Usually the saw base should only be touching the nylon/plastic/UHMW strips set into the track and they are normally pretty slippery. Do you have cam adjusters on the saw base (that keep the saw "locked" into track) ? These might be too tight
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28th September 2021, 12:40 PM #14
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29th September 2021, 12:45 AM #15
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